Angola’s general election, which takes place today, is anticipated to be the most competitive since the country’s independence in 1975.
Joo Lourenço, the incumbent president and head of the ruling MPLA, is running against Adalberto Costa Junior, the leader of the former rebel group Unita.
The MPLA, which has been in power for more than 40 years, has come under fire for failing to address the country’s high rates of unemployment, poverty, and inflation.
Although many voters may not believe President Lourenço, he has pledged to restructure Angola’s oil-dependent economy, according to reporters.
Joo Lourenço, the president of Angola and the party’s nominee, has cast his ballot, according to state-run television station TPA.
Analysts have described the elections as being fiercely contested, and President Lourenço is the first presidential contender to vote.
14.4 million registered voters are expected to cast ballots at 13,238 polling places in Angola and abroad between 7:00 and 17:00 local time, according to the National Electoral Commission.
The elections will include eight political parties.
Tensions between the government and the opposition over an alleged lack of openness in the electoral process overshadowed Angola’s election.
